U.S. patent application number 11/005922 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for one person drywall machine.
Invention is credited to Charles Edgar Stewart.
Application Number | 20060120830 11/005922 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36574398 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060120830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Charles Edgar |
June 8, 2006 |
One person drywall machine
Abstract
This device is a complete drywall installation machine and
finishing platform. It consists of a simple mechanism that raises
the sheathing from floor level to the top platform of the machine
where it is then raised to the rafters and held securely in place
for attachment, by stepping on to the elevated platform to be at
the perfect working height to apply fasteners. In it's auxiliary
configuration this machine also lifts and places wallboard into
position on wall studs for attachment with absolute minimum effort.
This machine is portable, mobile, and light weight enough to allow
one worker to install drywall up to 12 ft. in lenght to walls
and/or ceilings with less effort than is normally exerted by each
of 2 or more workers. Once the installation is complete the machine
serves as a mobile work platform to do the taping and finishing.
The entire process is executed by one worker and requires no
addional equipment such as ladders, stilts, or support devices.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Charles Edgar;
(Fort Walton Beach, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles E. Stewart
16 Brooks Ave.
Fort Walton Beach
FL
32547
US
|
Family ID: |
36574398 |
Appl. No.: |
11/005922 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 21/1811
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/010 |
International
Class: |
E04G 21/14 20060101
E04G021/14 |
Claims
1. A complete drywall installation machine and finishing platform,
Consisting of a generally rectangular expandable/contractable frame
base, mounted on casters located at each corner, so as to be
mobile. This base shall have mounted on the top side at each of
four corners, a vertical telescoping post with a lifting mechanism
to extend said post vertically upward. On top of these four post
rest a generally rectangular shaped rack in a flat horizontal
position. Within the confines of these post and elevated
approximently eighteen inches from floor level is a working
platform. Attached to one long side of this machine in temporary
fashion is a loading device that consist of a base laying parallel
to and approximately 12 inches from the frame base with angle iron
guides attached to the outermost top corners and extending inward
and upward to the top of the two telescoping post on that side of
said frame base. This loading device also has a medal channel 1
inch wide by 2 inches deep that may be moved up and down said angle
iron guides by means of a strap and crank system. Whereas
construction sheathing may be placed in this medal channel and
hoisted to the rectangular shaped rack on top of the machine; where
it is then lifted verticaly by means of the telescoping post
lifting mechanism to ceiling height for installation; by stepping
on to the finishing platform and nailing or screwing the sheathing
to the rafters.
2. I further claim as my invention the afore mentioned machine in
it's entirity (Not withstanding any previously invented device or
apparatus that may be an integral part of my machine, such as
threaded devices, fasteners, cables, pulleys, cranks, or winches,
etc.) and not limited to any number of decribed parts. ie. Vertical
post may have two or more sections, machine may have one or more
manual and/or electric winches and/or may be operated hydrauliclly
or pneumaticly and/or any combination thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] "Not Applicable"
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX
[0003] "Not Applicable"
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to hoisting and positioning
apparatuses (414/10 Flat wall or ceiling member manipulating means:
This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Apparatus wherein the
means is designed to reorient or reposition a unit of material
having a flat surface and which, when secured in place, will form a
part or all of the wall or ceiling portion of a building.) and more
specifically it relates to a drywall panel installation machine,
which provides a mechanism to lift a drywall panel and hold it in
place against ceiling rafters or wall studs to be attatched thereto
by one person, and a working platform for said person.
[0005] While there are various conventional hoisting and
positioning devices, none provide the novel improvements of the
invention herein disclosed. That is a machine that fulfills all the
needs of the art. ie. many have the ability to raise the panel to
the necessary height, but become unstable and subject to tipping in
the process. Also, even the ones that maintain stability offer no
means of getting the worker to the necessary height to install the
nails or screws to complete the installation, Thereby requiring
additional equipment and/or personel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] My invention is a portable, stable, easy to operate machine
that include all the desired features necessary to the installation
of drywall and/or other construction sheathing in one device. It
combines machine stability, easy loading, lifting and positioning
capeabilities with a safe and easily accessable working platform.
Thereby requiring only one worker, and no addional equipment such
as stilts, ladders, or propping or holding devices.
[0007] The primary object of this invention is to provide a drywall
machine that allows one worker to accomplish the task that normaly
requires two or more workers, in a cost effective period of time.
Thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
[0008] One of the main objects of this invention was to provide a
drywall machine that is complete in and of itself, requiring no
addional equipment.
[0009] Another object was to provide a drywall machine that is safe
and easy enough to use that it requires no special skills or
training.
[0010] An additional object is to provide a drywall machine that is
portable and light weight enough that a single worker can move it
to the job, set it up, and use it without assistance.
[0011] A still further object is to provide a drywall machine that
is economical in cost to manufacture, thereby making it affordable
to purchase and use.
Further objects of the invention will appear as the description
proceeds.
[0012] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
View 1 Projection view of the overall machine.
View 2
[0013] FIG. 1_Rear Bottom Frame Section
[0014] FIG. 2_Front Bottom Frame Section
[0015] FIG. 3_Left Frame Expansion Joint
[0016] FIG. 4_Right Frame Expansion Joint
[0017] FIG. 5_Left Rear Telescopic Lift Post
[0018] FIG. 6_Left Front Telescopic Lift Post
[0019] FIG. 7_Right Rear Telescopic Lift Post
[0020] FIG. 8_Right Front Telescopic Lift Post
View 3
[0021] FIG. 9_Upper Lift Cable Pulley (typ.)
[0022] FIG. 10_Lower Lift Cable Pulley (typ.)
[0023] FIG. 11_Vertical lift cable (typ.)
[0024] FIG. 12_Rear Plywood Working Platform support
[0025] FIG. 13_Center Plywood Working Platform, Vertical Lift
Winch, and Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank Support
[0026] FIG. 14_Front Plywood Working Platform Support
[0027] FIG. 15_Vertical Lift Winch
View 4
[0028] FIG. 16_Removeable Inclined Loader Device Frame and
Guides
[0029] FIG. 16A_"Removeable Inclined Loader Device Frame" Slotted
Keys
[0030] FIG. 17_Plywood Working Platform
[0031] FIG. 18_Vertical Lift Winch Crank
View 5
[0032] FIG. 19_Horizontal Top
[0033] Rack FIG. 20_Loader Channel
[0034] FIG. 21_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap
[0035] FIG. 22_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Lower
Pulleys
[0036] FIG. 23_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank
[0037] FIG. 24_Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Upper
Pulleys
[0038] FIG. 25_"Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Upper Pulley
Mounting Rings" on "Horizontal Top Rack"
View 6 Details of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4
View 7 Details of Telescopic Lift Post FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and
FIG. 8 (2 section post and optional 3 section post)
View 8 Optional Hydraulic or Pneumatic Lift Post (2 section post
and optional 3 section post)
[0039] FIG. 26_Lifting Medium Transfer Hose (to control valve)
[0040] FIG. 27_Lifting Medium (Gas or Liquid)
[0041] FIG. 28_Pressure Seal
[0042] FIG. 29.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
attachment point
[0043] FIG. 30_Outer Lift Post Section
[0044] FIG. 31.sub.--1st. Inner Lift Post Section
[0045] FIG. 32.sub.--2nd. Inner Lift Post Section
[0046] FIG. 33.sub.--1st. Inner Lift Post Section Guide and
Stop
[0047] FIG. 34_"Outer Lift Post Section", "Lift Cable" attachment
point
[0048] FIG. 35.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
Pulley
[0049] FIG. 36.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
View 9
[0050] Optional Linear Actuator Lift Post (2 section post and
optional 3 section post)
[0051] FIG. 37_Reversible Drive motor
[0052] FIG. 38_Sprocket and Chain assembly
[0053] FIG. 39_Bottom Frame Section
[0054] FIG. 40_Linear Actuator Support Bearing
[0055] FIG. 41.sub.--1st. Inner Lift Post Section Lower Guides
[0056] FIG. 42_Fixed "Linear Actuator Threaded Nut"
[0057] FIG. 43.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
attachment point
[0058] FIG. 44_Linear Actuator Rod
[0059] FIG. 45_"Outer Lift Post Section"
[0060] FIG. 46.sub.--1st. Inner Lift Post Section FIG.
47.sub.--2nd. Inner Lift Post Section
[0061] FIG. 48.sub.--1st. Inner Lift Post Section Upper Guides and
Stop
[0062] FIG. 49.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
[0063] FIG. 50.sub.--2nd Inner Lift Post Section, Lift Cable
Pulleys
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] The "One Person Drywall Machine" construction consists of a
generally rectangular "Frame Base" of hollow steel tubing
approximately 3 ft. by 4 ft. Consisting of a "Rear Bottom Frame
Section" (See View 2--FIG. 1), a "Front Bottom Frame Section" (See
View 2--FIG. 2), a "Left Frame Expansion Joint" (See View 2--FIG.
3), and a "Right Frame Expansion Joint" (See View 2--FIG. 4), so
constructed as to be easily contracted to approximately 2 ft. by 4
ft. (See View 2--FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, and View 6--FIG. 3 and FIG. 4)
so as to provide easy access through doorways. Said "Frame Base" is
mounted on common casters (not shown) at each corner to facilitate
mobility of machine. Attached to the top of each corner of this
frame is a "Telescoping Post" extending vertically. These posts
consist of two or more sections of hollow steel tubing, one inside
the other, (See View 2--FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 and View
7 Details of post), to allow vertical extension to ceiling height.
Vertical extension of these posts is facilitated by a simple winch,
cable, and pulley system configured so as when the cable is
shortened by winding onto the drum of the winch, the "1st. Inner
Lift Post Section" is raised inside the "Outer Lift Post Section"
(In the case of the three or more section post an additional cable
is so configured so as to raise the "2nd Inner Lift Post Section"
as the "1st. Inner Lift Post Section" is raised (See View
7--Details of post)). Or if optional "Hydraulic or Pneumatic Lift
Post" is used; vertical extension is facilitated by pumping a
"Lifting Medium" (Gas or Liquid) under pressure into the sealed
lower end of the "Outer Lift Post Section" of the Lift Post;
thereby forceing the "1st. Inner Lift Post Section" upward (In the
case of the three or more section post; cables are so configured so
as to raise the "2nd Inner Lift Post Section" as the "1st. Inner
Lift Post Section" is raised (See View 8--Optional Hydraulic or
Pneumatic Lift Post)). Or if optional "Linear Actuator Lift Post"
is used; vertical extension is facilitated by activating a
reversible motor that drives a sprocket and chain assembly that in
turn rotates a threaded rod in a fixed nut that is attached to the
bottom of the "1st. Inner Lift Post Section" of the post, thereby
forcing this section either up or down (depending on the direction
of rotation of the drive motor) (In the case of the three or more
section post; cables are so configured so as to raise the "2nd
Inner Lift Post Section" as the "1st. Inner Lift Post Section" is
raised (See View 9--Optional Linear Actuator Lift Post)). Atop
these posts rest a removable "Top Rack" consisting of a generally
rectangular hollow tube frame with two "Inclined Loader Device
Lifting Strap Pulley" brackets mounted on the bottom side of the
front long tube, laying in a flat horizontal position upon which
will be placed the drywall sheathing when the machine is loaded.
(See View 5--FIG. 19) Within the confines of these "Telescoping
Posts" and located approximately 16 in. up from the base of said
"Telescoping Posts" is a horizontal tube attached at each end to
each of the rear "Telescoping Posts", and a like tube attached
likewise to the front "Telescoping Posts". (See View 3--FIG. 12 and
FIG. 14) These tubes provide stability for the vertical
"Telescoping Posts" and support for the "Plywood Working Platform",
in addition there is a short vertical support attached to the
outermost portion of each of the "Expansion Joints" of the "Frame
Base" with a horizontal tube attached at each end to the top of
each of these vertical supports. This tube is at the same height as
the afore mentioned horizontal tubes and provides stability to the
"Frame Base", support for the center of the "Plywood Working
Platform", and a mounting place for the "Vertical Lift Winch", and
the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank". (See View 3--FIG. 13
and FIG. 15 and View 4--FIG. 17). Attached to the front vertical
"Telescoping Post" is a removable "Inclined Loading Device Frame",
consisting of a horizontal hollow tube mounted level with and
parallel to the "Front Bottom Frame Section" member. Mounted at
each end of this tube is a short length of hollow tube extending
from this tube to the "Front Bottom Frame Section". Attached to the
outside of these tubes is a mounting plate equiped with "Slotted
Keyways" for temporary attachment to machine. Attached to the top
outermost corners (left and right) of this horizontal tube is angle
iron guides extending up and in to the top of the afore mentioned
"Front Telescopic Lift Post". (See View 4--FIG. 16) Attached to the
outside top of each of these angle iron guides is a mounting plate
equiped with "Slotted Keyways" for temporary attachment to machine.
Attached to the inside top of each of these angle iron guides is a
bracket supporting a removable pulley for the "Inclined Loading
Device Lift Strap". Attached to the "Center Plywood Working
Platform, Vertical Lift Winch, and Inclined Loader Device Lifting
Crank Support", and extending from the right side of machine to the
left side of machine is the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank".
(See View 5--FIG. 23) Attached to this bar at approximately 1 ft.
from each end is a nylon strap (See View 5--FIG. 21) extending
horizontaly through the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Lower
Pulleys" (See View 5--FIG. 22) then generally upward and over the
"Inclined Loader Device Lifting Strap Upper Pulleys", (See View
5--FIG. 24) then generally downward to a metal "Loader Channel"
located parallel to, but not attached to the afore mentioned front
horizontal hollow tube of the "Removeable Inclined Loader Device
Frame and Guides" (See View 5--FIG. 20) so as to allow this channel
to slide up the inclined angle iron guides when the strap is wound
around the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank". Attachment of
individual parts of this machine (except for movable and/or
removable parts) is common welding, and in the case of movable
and/or removable parts attachment is bolting and/or slot and key.
(See View 4--FIG. 16A) Use of this machine is as follows. (Normal
preparation of sheathing is expected. i.e. cutouts, trimming,
etc.)
[0065] Begin with drywall sheathing in a vertical position with one
long side on floor. Machine is rolled up to sheathing and "Loading
Device Channel" is lowered to floor. Sheathing is then lifted by
hand into the "Loading Device Channel" (finish side toward machine)
and leaned against "Inclined Loading Device Guides". Sheathing is
then lifted by rotating the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank"
until sheathing extends slightly over one half the width of the
sheathing above the top of the machine. Sheathing is then rotated
from a near vertical position to a horizontal position atop the
"Top Rack", "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank" is then rotated
again to slide sheathing completely onto the "Top Rack". "Loading
Device Channel" is then removed from edge of sheathing and machine
is rolled into position under placement area of ceiling. "Vertical
Lift Winch Crank" is then rotated (or Hydraulic or Pneumatic valve
is operated, or Linear Actuator is activated) thereby lifting
sheathing vertically until it rests against ceiling rafters. Worker
then steps onto "Plywood Working Platform" and installs fasteners
(nails or screws) to complete the installation.
To use machine to install wall sheathing, (Normal preparation of
sheathing is expected.)
[0066] First "Vertical Lift Winch Crank" is rotated (or Hydraulic
or Pneumatic valve is operated or Linear Actuator is activated) to
raise "Top Rack" to within 2 ft. of ceiling, "Inclined Loader
Device Lifting Strap Upper Pulleys" are removed from their position
on "Inclined Loading Device Frame" and snapped into the mounting
rings on bottom of "Top Rack". "Inclined Loading Device Frame" is
then removed from machine; Machine is now ready to install wall
sheathing.
[0067] Begin with sheathing in a vertical position with one long
side on floor. Machine is rolled up to sheathing and "Loading
Device Channel" is lowered to floor. Sheathing is then lifted by
hand into the "Loading Device Channel" (finish side toward machine)
and leaned against machine. Sheathing is then lifted by rotating
the "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank" until sheathing clears
floor a few inches. While holding sheathing against machine,
machine is rolled into position approximately 6 in. from wall where
sheathing is to be placed. Sheathing is now leaned outward against
wall studs, and "Inclined Loader Device Lifting Crank" is rotated
to slide sheathing up wall studs into position against ceiling. (At
this point machine may be pushed against wall if desired) Worker
then steps onto "Plywood Working Platform" and installs fasteners
(nails or screws) to complete the installation. (Final position
adjustment may be accomplished by pulling on one "Inclined Loader
Device Lifting Strap" to raise one end of sheathing or rotating
"Vertical Lift Winch Crank" to raise both ends of sheathing, and/or
swinging "Loading Device Channel" left or right.)
* * * * *